Cardiovascular Ultrasound is calling for submissions to our collection on Atrial cardiomyopathy: definition, diagnosis and clinical implications. The concept of “atrial cardiomyopathy” has been introduced in 2016 and is regarded as any complex structural, functional or electrical changes affecting the atria with the potential of producing clinically relevant manifestations, above all atrial fibrillation. Most patients with atrial fibrillation show underlying atrial cardiomyopathy, with consequent higher morbidity and risk of stroke and/or peripheral thrombo-embolism. Atrial cardiomyopathy may occur as a result of chronic myocardial disease, such as heart failure, valvular heart disease or ischemic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, it is crucial to improve available preventive strategies, diagnostic tools and management of atrial cardiomyopathy with the objective of preventing disease progression and reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation and its known complications, including thrombogenesis and strokes. In this article collection the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment of atrial cardiomyopathy will be assessed, including risk factors, pathophysiology, functional, hemodynamic and electrical implications and possible therapeutic options.
